Gateway College holds Innovative Staff Development Workshop and Annual Outing

Ensuring a well-trained teaching staff has always been a top priority for Gateway College. Teachers at Gateway have invaluable opportunities to undergo training conducted by both local and international experts, covering a spectrum of crucial aspects in education. The Annual Staff Workshop of Gateway has been a longstanding tradition, consistently held every year since its inception 26 years ago.

This year marked a significant milestone while maintaining this tradition, a testament to the vision of the founder, Mr. R.I.T. Alles, as it is his 10th Remembrance Anniversary. His unwavering belief that fostering a sense of family among the staff is integral to the organisation’s success guided the continuation of this annual event. The 2023 Annual Staff Workshop took place on the 20th and 21st of October at the picturesque Heritance Kandalama, bringing together a remarkable assembly of over 560 staff members from the five Gateway schools located in Colombo, Kandy, Negombo, Dehiwala, and Ratmalana along with management representatives from the Gateway Group. Amaya Lake, and Jetwing Lake also graciously hosted the staff due to the large number in attendance.

This year’s workshop introduced a novel format, placing educators in the driver’s seat as they took charge of the sessions. The teaching staff was organised into 16 clusters according to the subjects and sections they teach in. This innovative approach seamlessly combined professional development with collaborative learning in a relaxed atmosphere. Cluster leaders orchestrated miniworkshops that not only spotlighted effective teaching practices but also delved into trending pedagogical methodologies such as wellbeing, gamification, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education.

The event, meticulously organised by Gateway College Kandy, embraced the theme “Howdy,” infusing a cowboyinspired ambiance. The evening event dazzled with staff members dressed in wild-western attire, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Gateway community. The special evening segment featured entertainment provided by talented staff members, including song and dance performances, followed by a lively dinner dance, bringing the grand event to a celebratory close; and staff members returned the next day, invigorated and inspired by the shared experiences and newfound knowledge.